Ivan Rakitić announces retirement but stays at Hajduk Split

by croatiaweek
July 7, 2025
in Sport

Ivan Rakitić (Photo: Кирилл Венедиктов/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ivan Rakitić has officially ended his playing career at the age of 37.

After a career that spanned over two decades and some of Europe’s top clubs, the former Croatia international will now step into a new role off the pitch.

Rakitić is set to join Hajduk Split’s sporting leadership team, swapping his boots for a suit and tie. He will work alongside Goran Vučević in shaping the club’s sporting policy from Hajduk’s offices at Poljud Stadium.

The midfielder played 35 matches for Hajduk last season, marking his first time playing professionally in Croatia. His return to his roots, even at the final stage of his career, held deep emotional value for him.

Rakitić began his professional journey at Swiss side Basel before moving to Bundesliga club Schalke 04. After three and a half years in Germany, he made a pivotal move to Sevilla in 2011.

There, he quickly became a key player and was eventually named club captain. He led the Andalusian club to UEFA Europa League victory in 2014.

That same year, he transferred to Barcelona, where he enjoyed the most successful spell of his club career. In his first season, Rakitić helped the Catalan giants win the treble — La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League.

He scored the opening goal in the 2015 Champions League final and made history by becoming the first player to win the Champions League immediately after winning the Europa League with another club. Over six seasons at the Camp Nou, Rakitić made 310 appearances and lifted ten more trophies. He returned to Sevilla in 2020 and capped off his career in Spain by winning yet another Europa League title in 2023.

On the international stage, Rakitić represented Croatia 106 times before retiring from the national team in 2019. He was a central figure in the squad that made history by reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final in Russia, a moment he described as “more than a sporting success — an eternal gift to the entire nation.”

After months of speculation, Rakitić confirmed his retirement through a moving message on social media. In a heartfelt letter addressed to football itself, he reflected on every step of his journey — from the youth pitches in Möhlin, Switzerland to the biggest stages in world football.

He spoke of how football gave him not only trophies and memories but also friendships, emotions and, most importantly, his family — having met his wife during his first spell in Seville.

“Football, you gave me more than I ever dreamed of. Now it is time to say goodbye. Even though I am walking away from you, I know you will never leave me,” Rakitić wrote.

As he transitions from playing to an executive role, Rakitić brings with him a wealth of experience, leadership and passion for the game. His presence at Hajduk Split signals an exciting new chapter for both the club and Croatian football.